A Roxbury mother and her five children were transported Boston Medical Center after complaining of headaches, lightheadedness and dizziness, the Boston Globe reports.
A carbon monoxide detector installed in the Dudley Street apartment alerted the family to the presence of the invisible, odorless – and potentially deadly – gas. Firefighters found carbon monoxide levels at three times the threshold for residential environments. It is believed the leak began during the night and came from a faulty furnace.
With cooler weather on the horizon, Boston premises liability lawyers are reminding homeowners and landlords that now is the time to check fuel-burning household equipment, ventilation systems and test carbon monoxide detectors. Most serious and fatal cases of carbon monoxide poisoning happen during the winter season, when fuel-burning heating equipment is used with more frequency, snow can block exterior ventilation pipes and cars are left to warm in enclosed garages.
A Boston premise liability case may be filed against landlords, business owners or property owners who fail to properly maintain furnaces and other safety equipment.
The Center for Disease Control reports that 400 Americans die each year from accidental CO poisoning with fatality highest among those 65 and older. Each year, 20,000 people are sent to the emergency room and 4,000 hospitalized due to carbon monoxide intoxication. Those most susceptible to CO poisoning are the very young, the very old and anyone with a heart condition or respiratory problems.
Symptoms of this “silent killer” include nausea, confusion and dizziness, but can be difficult to detect and impossible for sleeping or intoxicated victims to sense. If not treated immediately, CO intoxication can cause permanent brain damage and even death. For those exposed, seeking immediate fresh air can be a life saver.
Particularly now with the winter season approaching, landlords and rental property owners have an obligation to properly maintain household heating equipment and provide a safe environment for renters and their families. If they don’t, a landlord can and should be held responsible if their negligence leads to serious injury or death.
Boston premises liability attorneys at Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, LLC, know that businesses, landlords and property owners have an obligation to provide a safe and secure environment for their tenants. Our experienced lawyers will investigate the history of any property associated with causing injury to establish a pattern of negligence and liability. If you have been injured, or someone you love has been injured or killed due to the negligent on-site property conditions, schedule a free initial consultation, by contacting us online or calling our offices at (617) 777-7777 to discuss your rights.